The third run of 24 with Kiefer Sutherland debuted on Sky One

The Sky Travel channel will be replaced on Freeview by Sky Three, offering programmes already seen on Sky One and original travel and lifestyle shows.

Early schedule highlights will include the first free-to-view broadcast of the third series of US drama 24.

Sky Networks managing director Dawn Airey said the Freeview move would help Sky to "reach an even wider audience".

"Sky Three will offer digital terrestrial viewers the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of popular programmes from Sky," she said.

As well as reaching the 5.2 million households which have Freeview, Sky Three will be available to the 7.8 million homes which subscribe to Sky.

Digital battle

Other Sky One shows to transfer to Sky Three will include US crime drama Cold Case and hypnotist Paul McKenna's series I Can Change Your Life

Sky Travel will continue to broadcast as a separate channel on Sky digital and cable.

The existing digital and cable Sky Mix channel, which also shows old Sky One channels, will be renamed Sky Two.

The move comes as the major broadcasters expand their services.

Freeview is received through TV aerials without paying a subscription

The BBC and ITV announced plans earlier this month for free-to-view satellite TV service Freesat to cater for viewers unable to receive Freeview digital coverage.

ITV's new digital channel for men, ITV4, unveiled its programme line-up on Tuesday ahead of its launch on 1 November.